“Crown Jewel in Scottish FA Performance Strategy”

Tuesday 31 March 2015

Construction has begun on Scotland’s new Sports Performance Centre after a ground-breaking ceremony at Heriot Watt University’s Edinburgh campus.

The multi-sport facility - named Oriam - will act as the crown jewel in the Scottish FA’s performance strategy with a 500 capacity indoor pitch, strength and conditioning facilities and state of the art medical centre.

Funded in partnership with the Scottish Government, sportscotland, City of Edinburgh Council and Heriot Watt, the centre – due to open in August 2016 - will also help to develop elite athletes from five other sports including rugby and volleyball.

Scottish FA chief executive Stewart Regan – who was joined at the event by National Team Coach Anna Signeul and Scotland international Robert Snodgrass – is confident the centre can breed the next generation of Scotland players.

Speaking at the ceremony Stewart said: "The facility will be the jewel in the crown of the Scottish FA's Performance Strategy. It will really allow us to build on the work we've done so far in developing elite sports men and women for the future."

"I think it's all about everything being under one roof. The classic one-stop shop for our performance strategy to be delivered."